Things to do in Costa Brava

It’s a safe bet that nobody books a holiday in Costa Brava and doesn’t want to enjoy the beaches. This coastline promises a good mix of secluded calas with perfect snorkelling conditions and long, sandy beaches with family-focused facilities.

Lloret de Mar: Bustling beach life and water sports

Lloret de Mar is a coastal hotspot on the Costa Brava, boasting two stunning, town beaches with soft sand and shallow calm sea. Platja de Lloret de Mar is the flagship beach where the sea is bustling with families using inflatables and riding pedalos. You can hire loungers and umbrellas or there’s plenty of space for your own set-up. There are also a handful of pretty coves within a short walk (or drive) of the town centre, like Cala sa Bodella, Cala Treumal and Cala dels Frares.

Platja de Castell: Unspoilt natural beauty

Platja Castell is a dreamy, natural beach surrounded by trees and greenery. If you’re searching for a peaceful vibe and a calm, sheltered sea – this is the spot for you. Bring your own shade and chairs and pitch up on the unspoilt sand. You could drive from the nearest town, Palamós (around ten minutes), and park in the carpark behind the sands. Or, better still, you could take the cami (coast path) and arrive at the golden sands on foot.

Platja de Pals: Family-friendly with lots of space

The miles-long stretch of cream-coloured sand at Platja de Pals couldn’t be more inviting. It’s spacious and not too developed, attracting families and couples. There’s a path through the dunes behind the beach and on the shore itself you’ll find several beach cafes. There are some options for water sports, although the sea is peaceful and full of swimmers on the whole. It’s worth staying until evening to watch the dramatic sunset turn the scene peachy pink.

The Costa Brava is more than just a pretty face – it has a rich history, with many medieval buildings and settlements still intact and ready to be explored. Many of the hotels in Costa Brava are even located inside historic buildings.

Tossa de Mar: A walled old town by the sea

Tossa de Mar is a great choice for a cultural getaway, with its beautiful medieval castle and charming narrow streets. Don’t forget to walk the old city walls on your visit. There are two beautiful beaches in town too, as well as a small, private-feeling cove – Es Codolar – tucked at the foot of the castle.

Pals: A beautifully preserved hilltop town

Walking through the petite hillside village of Pals feels like a step back in time. Its medieval centre comprises narrow stone alleyways, wooden-shuttered houses and a historic tower and villa crowning the highest point of the settlement. You’ll find souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants lining the cobbled squares.

Peratallada: A quiet village steeped in history

Peratallada is tucked up in the hills, between lively Girona and the glistening coastline. It’s a sleepy place, but for the curious tourists who wander its historic cobbled streets enjoying the flower-laden balconies and orange-stone walls covered in vines. There’s a well-preserved medieval castle here, as well as quirky shops and laid-back eateries with their tables in the sun-drenched squares.

The Costa Brava is a treasure trove for nature lovers and outdoorsy travellers. There are so many habitats here to be explored from dramatic coastlines and beautiful beaches to wetlands and mountains.

Cap de Creus Natural Park: Dramatic coastal landscapes

The Cap de Creus peninsula feels a million miles from civilisation, although you’re actually only around 7 km or a 20-minute drive from Port Lligat and Cadaques. There’s plenty of parking near the lighthouse and a restaurant too, so it’s the perfect place to end a road trip with great views. If you want to explore further, the rugged cape is interlaced with adventurous footpaths and hidden coves for the more intrepid. You can also take a boat trip around the cape to experience it from a different angle.

Medes Islands: Scuba diving and marine life

Close to the seaside resort of L'Estartit, and less than an hour from the regional hub Girona, you’ll find the Medes archipelago. The seven rocky islets are pretty barren but most people don’t venture here for the islands themselves. The Medes Islands are home to one of the most important marine reserves in the Mediterranean and are a first-rate scuba diving destination. Multiple dive trips run daily from L'Estartit, allowing you to get up-close and personal with the local marine fauna. If you prefer life on the surface, try snorkelling, kayaking, SUP or simply a boat trip around the isles.

Aiguamolls de l’Empordà: Wetlands and birdwatching

The wetlands of Aiguamolls de l’Empordà are a must-see for bird-lovers and nature-enthusiasts. This sprawling wetland reserve has a network of paths and boardwalks spanning the marshes and forested areas, as well as observatory towers and hides for fantastic views of the birdlife. You can also cycle here and cover more ground. Platja de Can Comes is a sandy expanse of beach just south of the reserve when you’re ready to cool off.

There’s so much good food on offer in the Costa Brava region, with much of it caught in local waters. We’re talking freshly grilled prawns, baby squid, mussels and even fried sea anemones. You’ll also find melt-in-the-mouth croquetas, juicy meatballs and arròs negre (or black rice) on many menus. Don’t forget to leave room for something sweet, too. Try taps de Cadaqués – individual sponge cakes topped with powdered sugar and rum that were supposedly a favourite of Dali’s.

Sample prawns in Palamós

As a port town, it’s no great surprise that Palamós is famous for its seafood. There’s even an interesting fishing museum on the pier here, showcasing the town’s history. Prawns are the local speciality and many restaurants in Palamós serve them, especially in the streets between the beach and the marina. La Salinera is one of the seafood joints recommended in the Michelin guide to the area, while La Selvatana is highly rated for its paella and rice dishes. For beautifully presented and creatively cooked seafood in a modern setting, head for Restaurant DVISI in Casa Vincke Hotel.

Visit local markets for street food

In Spain, even small towns usually hold a weekly market. You’ll find stalls selling clothes, household items and produce too, and they’re a great place to snuffle for a bargain. Some have branched out to offer more artisanal products and foodie favourites to appeal to tourists. Most weekly markets in the region are held on a Sunday, like those in Palafrugell, Roses and Sant Feliu de Guixols, to name a few.

If you’re looking for something a little more atmospheric with a party vibe, try the White Summer Festival in Palamós or the Santa Market in Santa Cristina d'Aro. The Santa Market is celebrated in the afternoon/evenings in late July and throughout August. A night market runs in La Escala every Wednesday during summer, celebrating summer and showcasing artisan products as the sun goes down. If you’re staying in a hotel in La Escala you might also catch the Sunday weekly market in town.

Sip on the local tipples: Empordà wines

It’s not just good food on offer here. The viniculture tradition is b in the region, with dozens of wineries you can visit near Figueres, Roses and Portbou. Empordalia is just one example, offering tours of the vineyards and cellars as well as wine and olive oil tastings. You can book various activities at the site such as a dinner, picnics or a wine-tasting course. You can also visit the vineyard and have a tasting in the bodega at Mas Estela, or enjoy wine and vermouth tasting at the family-run Vinyes d'Olivardots. The latter also organises stargazing with tapas and a nighttime winery tour.

There’s loads to do in Costa Brava for families. Of course, the beach is the number one activity, but if you fancy a day off, you’re spoilt for choice. Adventurous family activities in Costa Brava include water sports, treetop adventure courses and even hikes. Calmer options could be the fascinating castles, the colourful Salvador Dali Museum or a visit to a tropical butterfly house.

Water World thrills in Lloret de Mar

Families with kids will love Water World, on the outskirts of Lloret de Mar resort. There are so many slides to choose from – kamikaze drops and side-by-side racers, spinning bowls, tube slides and rafting rivers. You’ll also find more zen spaces like calm lagoons and fun splash zones for littlies. Tornado Land is one of the latest features, packed with multiple slides for all ages. There are also several cafes serving kid-friendly fayre like burgers and pizzas, as well as churros and crepes. Plus, there’s a picnic area. You can rent loungers, shade and lockers in the park.

Cost: €22 kids, €40 adults & tots go free, plus group discounts

Experience the tropical Butterfly Park Empuriabrava

Empuriabrava is the largest residential marina in Europe, with over 20km of waterways in addition to its sandy beach. There are plenty of attractions here, but one of the top things to do for families is visit the Butterfly Park. It’s a small, tropical park cultivated to feel like a rainforest and home to a variety of birds and dozens of rare butterflies, including the giant Atlas Moth. The focus here is on the animals and conservation, so you won’t find any snack stops, but you’re only a ten-minute drive from the seafront at Empuriabrava.

Cost: €13 adults, €9 kids, <4s go free

Take to the trees at an adventure park

Just outside Palamos, Explora Park Aventura is an outdoor adventure and high-ropes course for teens right down to little ones (from 0.9 metres). Kids can enjoy ladders, sky bridges, ropes and ziplines, climbing at various heights through the trees. Adults don’t have to pay to accompany climbers either (ideal!). A second option is the Costa Brava Parc Aventura in Pals, or at their second location in Platja d’Aro. You’ll find a wide choice of adventure circuits appropriate to your child’s age, as well as children’s paintball and tree climbing. There are plenty of facilities for little ones too, like an adventurous-yet-tot-friendly play zone – ideal if you have multiple different ages to cater to.

Cost: ~€33 for an adventure pack at Costa Brava Parc Aventura

Costa Brava is a fantastic destination for keen hikers. The coastline is a patchwork of vibrant greens, blues and golden hues and is speckled with tiny calas only accessible on foot. Even if you aren’t the most enthusiastic walker, many towns here have very well-made footpaths that are more like paved streets, giving beginners a chance to explore. If you’re on the hunt for a walk near your hotel in Costa Brava, look out for the ‘Cami de Ronda’ signs.

S’Agaró to Sa Conca: Easy and scenic route

If you’re staying in S’Agaró and enjoy a gentle walk – but nothing too challenging – the route to Sa Conca bay is perfect. Look for signs to the ‘Camí de Ronda’ and enjoy the well-made, even footpath. It winds past viewpoints, alongside grand villas and down to mini coves where you can have a mid-way paddle en-route to your destination. After a few kilometres, steps lead you down to the wide, sandy bay and the promises of pristine sea.

Calella de Palafrugell to Llafranc: Postcard-perfect coastline

The walk from Palafrugell to Llafranc is another well-made, sturdy footpath that’s fairly easy to traverse, promising sea views the entire way. There are a few opportunities to drop to sea level and enjoy a secluded dip. Stop at the Mirador de Llafranc to take in the postcard-worthy view of Llafranc beach and the quaint, white-walled town behind.

Tossa de Mar to Cala Pola: Rugged cliffs and hidden coves

More experienced hikers will enjoy the challenge of the cliff path running between Tossa de Mar and Cala Pola. It’s a fairly steep and rugged route through forests and along cliffs, but you’ll be rewarded with total peace on the journey. You’ll walk via the petite but charming Cala Bona, which promises crystal clear water for snorkelling. After around 4km you’ll reach sandy Cala Pola. This perfect slice of beach attracts plenty of visitors in summer, but once you’ve seen the sea, you understand why.

There’s a place on this coast for everyone, so let’s plan your Costa Brava getaway to perfectly meet your expectations…

For pure beach holidays

Stay in Lloret de Mar, Platja d’Aro or Roses for big, sandy beaches with plenty of facilities and a wide choice of accommodation and restaurants in all budgets. For sun, sea and sand, these are your go-to spots.

For culture and history

Stay in Tossa de Mar, Pals or Peratallada to see the wonderful medieval architecture of the region close up. Pals and Peratallada are very small destinations with a quieter feel while Tossa de Mar is a bigger resort with plenty of modern parts to the town too. Cadaques is another picturesque option for a holiday, with tranquil vibes, beautiful architecture and plenty of history as the former home town of Salvador Dali.

For nature and adventure

Base yourself in L’Estartit or L’Escala to have access to a huge swathe of green, coastal and inland footpaths, and famous Montgrí Castle. The Medes islands are also right on your doorstep for water-based adventures. Cadaques is the best base if you’re interested in exploring the wild and wonderful Cap de Creus. Even the drive there promises sensational views.